High altitude balloon systems and methods using continuous multi-compartment super pressure balloon
US10988227B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/70
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) is attached in tandem with one or more variable ballast air super-pressure balloons (SPB) having a continuous skin and multiple SPB compartments. The ZPB provides lift for the system while the multi-compartment SPB uses a centrifugal compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. Various performance targets relating to ascent rate, descent rate, range and maximum altitude are achievable with various scaled versions of the basic design of the LTA system. Navigation and control techniques, such as high altitude station-keeping approaches, are made possible with the LTA system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.